Genetic Divergence in Relation To Heterosis and Specific Combining Ability in Triticale

Seventy-two Ft hybrids resulting from line (18) × tester (4) matings among 22 hexaploid triticale genotypes were evaluated. Using D'-statistic, 94 progenies were classified into 11 clusters. Correlation coefficients between genetic divergence, as defined by D2 values and mean group distances, heterosis and s.c.a. Were computed for tillers per plant, graing per spike, 1000 grain weight and grain yield per plant. It appeared that neither heterosis nor s.c.a. is a function of genetic divergence. Rather, a specific range of divergence favoured the expression of heterosis for a particular character. Results have been discussed in light of their importance in triticale breeding.